Perth Voice Interactive

THE 1925 seamen’s strike was one of the most significant labour disputes in the maritime industry of the early 20th century. 

It began in August 1925 when British shipowners proposed a reduction of seamen’s wages by £1 per month, arguing that post-war economic conditions required cost-cutting measures. 

The move was met with fierce resistance by maritime unions, who viewed the wage cut as an attack on workers’ livelihoods, particularly in an era when the cost of living was still high.

The strike was not confined to Britain; it quickly spread to ports around the world, including those in Australia. This international solidarity among seafarers was emblematic of the labour movements of the time, which were increasingly organised and interconnected due to the shared struggles of industrial workers across the British Empire.

The SS Beltana, a British migrant ship, became one of the vessels directly affected by the strike. 

Built in the early 20th century, the ship was part of a fleet designed to transport migrants from Britain to Australia as part of programs encouraging settlement in the colonies. 

Its 1925 voyage, however, coincided with the height of the strike, leading to significant delays during its journey.

When the Beltana arrived in Fremantle, it was delayed for eight days due to a coal strike. 

The coal strike, itself a ripple effect of the seamen’s refusal to work under reduced wages, meant that fuel supplies for ships were disrupted, leaving vessels like the Beltana stranded in port. 

For the passengers aboard—many of whom were families seeking new opportunities in Australia—the delay added stress and uncertainty to an already arduous journey.

As WA’s primary port city, Freo was a hub of maritime activity and a focal point for labor disputes. 

By 1925, the city had a long history of union activity, with wharfies, seamen, and other port labourers playing key roles in advocating for workers’ rights.

The seamen’s strike in Fremantle was part of a broader wave of labour unrest that affected multiple industries in the region, from mining to transportation.

The strike’s impact on Fremantle’s economy was significant. 

Delays in shipping disrupted trade, leading to shortages of goods and economic strain on local businesses dependent on maritime commerce. 

At the same time, the strike strengthened solidarity among workers, as unions in other industries often lent their support to the seamen’s cause, either through financial contributions or by joining picket lines.

The delays caused by the strike were not just an inconvenience; they underscored the vulnerability of the shipping industry to organised labour actions. 

Ships like the Beltana, which served as lifelines for migration and trade, were effectively immobilised, showcasing the power of collective action in disrupting even the most critical supply chains.

For the Fremantle community, the strike also brought attention to the harsh conditions faced by seamen and port workers. 

Many in the local population sympathised with the strikers, recognising their demands for fair wages and better working conditions as part of a broader struggle for social justice. 

This era also saw the rise of socialist and labour-oriented political movements in Australia, which gained momentum from events like the seamen’s strike.

While the seamen’s strike eventually ended with a compromise, its effects were long-lasting. 

The delays experienced by ships like the Beltana underscored the necessity for fair labour practices in the shipping industry. For Fremantle, the strike reinforced its reputation as a centre for labour activism and solidarity.

Just one year later New South Wales introduced compulsory insurance under its Workers Compensation Act, which became the model for state and territory governments around the nation, while the 40-hour week became the norm soon after.

The SS Beltana itself would continue to serve as a migrant ship until its eventual retirement, but its 1925 voyage remains a poignant example of how global labour disputes could affect individual lives and local economies.